Bouchard Vows to Improve After Disastrous Game: Oilers Analyze Setback

Evan Bouchard: A Night to Forget in New York

In a match played between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Islanders, defenseman Evan Bouchard had a performance that undoubtedly marked one of the lowest points in his NHL career. Bouchard’s mistakes were directly responsible for two goals against, in addition to multiple turnovers and failures that generated clear scoring opportunities for the opposing team.

I’m going to have to improve that. You learn from this, obviously there’s a lot to learn. Part of the game is to forget the good and the bad, so move on, be ready for the next game.

Evan Bouchard

Despite being one of the highest-paid defenders in the league, and a key player in his team’s offense, this time it wasn’t his night. His defensive partner, Mattias Ekholm, highlighted Bouchard’s ability to overcome mistakes and his skill in generating offensive plays that surprise everyone.

I know people can be hard on him for mistakes, but you also have to look at the positive side of what he brings. I’m sure he knows he could have made other decisions tonight, but I know there are other games and you could see the other night when he just breaks through their forwards and makes everyone look silly and things he wouldn’t even think about. I would be careful criticizing him because that’s just him.

Mattias Ekholm

An error in the neutral zone, where Bouchard lost the puck to Mat Barzal, resulted in the first goal of the game for the Islanders.

Just a bad play on my part.

Evan Bouchard

Another mistake in the second period, during a power play situation for Edmonton, allowed Bo Horvat to score a shorthanded goal.

I thought I could keep it in if (Islanders penalty killer Jean-Gabriel Pageau) pushed him along the wall. Obviously, he didn’t.

Evan Bouchard

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch admitted he’d seen better performances from Bouchard, but is confident in his ability to bounce back.

Mistakes happen, but you have to address what kind of mistakes are happening. Evan is a fantastic player, one of the best in the league, definitely one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Tonight wasn’t his night, but I’ve always seen him respond and play much better after games like this.

Kris Knoblauch

Ekholm is confident that Bouchard will show a better version in the next game against the New Jersey Devils.

I’m pretty sure we’ll see a different Bouchard. I’m sure he’ll come back with strength and vengeance.

Mattias Ekholm